How to grow a real Christmas tree :: Garden ideas

Pot-grown Christmas tree - How to grow a living Christmas tree - Gardening ideas - Craft - allaboutyou.com

Choosing a tree and container

Aim to buy a tree that has been grown in the UK, so that it will already be used to our climate and it won’t be carrying any diseases that could spread to indigenous stock.

Check that the tree was actually grown in the container. That way it will have a good fibrous root system and will be more likely to survive than a tree that was grown in a field, dug up and then had its roots trimmed to fit in a pot.

Choose a tree with an even spread of branches and has a healthy appearance with glossy green needles. Avoid trees that are tinged with brown or that lose a lot of needles when you touch them.

Consider the size and weight of the tree. Where is it going to sit in the house, on a table or on the floor? Remember you will need to carry it and its container outside after Twelfth Night.

Choose a pot that's double the size of the rootball. Bear in mind that a plastic container will be lighter in weight that terracotta. Fill the pot with soil-based compost. Remember to sit the pot in a large dish to avoid water marks on your furniture or flooring.

Caring for your tree inside

Bring a living tree inside as late as possible. They should not be in the house for longer than 12 days.

Once inside, both the pot and the tree can be decorated but avoid any spray treatments such as needle glue or fake snow.

Water the compost regularly to keep it damp, but not wet, and avoid placing the tree close to a radiator or fire as this will cause it to dry out and result in needle drop.

After Christmas

When the festivities are over take your tree back outside where it can be planted out in the garden. However, if you want to bring the tree in again next year it is easier to keep it in its pot. As the tree grows you will need to transplant into a larger pot each year until it is too big to be transported comfortably from garden to house.

Most conifers prefer a sheltered site in full sun, but check the preference depending on the variety you have bought.

Christmas trees are very low maintenance. Simply water regularly, especially pot-grown trees, and prune away any dead branches. To maintain an attractive shape clip any new shoots that spoil the symmetrical shape.

Pot-grown trees will be limited in size depending on the constraints of the pot. But be warned, if planted in the garden conifers can reach up to 20 metres high.

Buy from: www.christmastreeland.co.uk